Patents by Inventor Paul Russell FRIEND
Paul Russell FRIEND has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240410118Abstract: A compactor machine may include a frame, a compaction member attached to the frame, and a controller attached to the frame. The controller may be configured to detect, while the compactor machine is traveling on a paving material mat to perform compacting, an event that is to cause the compactor machine to perform a stop. The controller may be configured to identify, based on detecting the event, a zone that the compactor machine is to use to perform the stop. The controller may be configured to cause the compactor machine to travel to the zone to perform the stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2023Publication date: December 12, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. KEYES, Matthew Thomas HANSON, Nathaniel DOY, Nicholas Aaron GREENE, Paul Russell FRIEND
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Publication number: 20240360633Abstract: A control system for a construction machine is disclosed. The control system may comprise a controller configured to: receive work parameters associated with working of the worksite surface by a surface-working member; generate an edge-to-edge work plan of the worksite surface, the edge-to-edge work plan comprising a plurality of paths each having a center-line-of-travel, wherein one of the plurality of paths includes a first outer edge defined by a first boundary side and another includes a second outer edge defined by a second boundary side; and activate the construction machine to traverse the center-line-of travel of each of the plurality of paths. The plurality of paths may comprise a first path and a second path that includes a second path overlap-section that overlaps the first path, wherein a width of the second path overlap-section varies along a length of the second path.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2023Publication date: October 31, 2024Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell FRIEND, Mark Andrew Tarvin, Nathaniel Steven Doy, Robert Jason McGee, Joel Case Miller
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Patent number: 11698458Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) controller is disclosed. The LIDAR controller may determine, based on a position of an implement, a scan area of the LIDAR sensor, wherein the scan area has an increased point density relative to another area of a field of view, of the LIDAR sensor, that includes the implement. The LIDAR controller may cause the LIDAR sensor to capture, with the increased point density, LIDAR data associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may process the LIDAR data to determine whether an object of interest is in an environment of the machine that is associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may perform an action based on the environment of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
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Patent number: 11454713Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) controller is disclosed. The LIDAR controller may receive cycle segment information identifying a cycle segment of an operation of a machine. The LIDAR controller may determine, based on the cycle segment information, a scan area within a field of view of the LIDAR sensor. The LIDAR controller may cause the LIDAR sensor to capture, with an increased point density relative to a non-scan area within the field of view, LIDAR data associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may process the LIDAR data to determine, using the increased point density, a status associated with the operation. The LIDAR controller may perform an action associated with indicating the status associated with the operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
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Patent number: 11270530Abstract: A vehicle pose sharing diagnostic system includes a first communication module and a first pose module in communication with the first communication module. The first pose module is configured to generate a pose signal corresponding to the first machine. The system further includes a first sensing module configured to generate a pose signal corresponding to at least one of a second machine and an infrastructure. The system includes a control module communicably coupled to the first communication module. The control module is configured to determine an operational error in the first communication module and the first pose module. The control module is also configured to generate diagnosis information corresponding to the determined operational error. Further, the system includes a feedback device communicably coupled to the control module. The feedback device is configured to receive the diagnosis information from the control module and display the diagnosis information thereon.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nolan Andrew Graves, Paul Russell Friend
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Publication number: 20210239837Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) controller is disclosed. The LIDAR controller may determine, based on a position of an implement, a scan area of the LIDAR sensor, wherein the scan area has an increased point density relative to another area of a field of view, of the LIDAR sensor, that includes the implement. The LIDAR controller may cause the LIDAR sensor to capture, with the increased point density, LIDAR data associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may process the LIDAR data to determine whether an object of interest is in an environment of the machine that is associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may perform an action based on the environment of the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Paul Russell FRIEND
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Publication number: 20210239808Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) controller is disclosed. The LIDAR controller may receive cycle segment information identifying a cycle segment of an operation of a machine. The LIDAR controller may determine, based on the cycle segment information, a scan area within a field of view of the LIDAR sensor. The LIDAR controller may cause the LIDAR sensor to capture, with an increased point density relative to a non-scan area within the field of view, LIDAR data associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may process the LIDAR data to determine, using the increased point density, a status associated with the operation. The LIDAR controller may perform an action associated with indicating the status associated with the operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Paul Russell FRIEND
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Patent number: 10641862Abstract: A ranging radio relative machine positioning system for a first mobile machine and a second mobile machine is provided. The first mobile machine includes a platform rotatable relative to ground-engaging elements of the first mobile machine. A first set of ranging radios and at least one sensor are configured for attachment to the first mobile machine, and a second set of ranging radios are configured for attachment to the second mobile machine. The system also includes a controller programmed to identify a ground spotting location relative to the first mobile machine, track movement of the first mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the sensor to arrive at an offset, and provide a location, or pose, of the second mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the first and second sets of ranging radios and the offset.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
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Patent number: 10567746Abstract: A calibration jig for calibrating an image capturing device mounted on a machine is provided. A second rope is connected to a first rope at a first connection point. A third rope is connected to the first rope and the second rope at a second connection point and a third connection point respectively. The first, second, and third ropes, when taut, define the calibration triangle with the first, second, and the third connection points as vertices of the calibration triangle. A center rope is connected to the first connection point with a first anchor point associated with the machine. A first tether rope is connected to the second connection point of the calibration triangle with a second anchor point associated with the machine. A second tether rope is connected to the third connection point of the calibration triangle with a third anchor point associated with the machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, David Paul Gitz, Maikel Orlando Torres Pineiro, Matthew Daniel Fike, Qi Chen, Jeffrey Walter Earleson
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Publication number: 20190295334Abstract: A vehicle pose sharing diagnostic system includes a first communication module and a first pose module in communication with the first communication module. The first pose module is configured to generate a pose signal corresponding to the first machine. The system further includes a first sensing module configured to generate a pose signal corresponding to at least one of a second machine and an infrastructure. The system includes a control module communicably coupled to the first communication module. The control module is configured to determine an operational error in the first communication module and the first pose module. The control module is also configured to generate diagnosis information corresponding to the determined operational error. Further, the system includes a feedback device communicably coupled to the control module. The feedback device is configured to receive the diagnosis information from the control module and display the diagnosis information thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nolan Andrew Graves, Paul Russell Friend
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Publication number: 20190149814Abstract: A calibration jig for calibrating an image capturing device mounted on a machine is provided. A second rope is connected to a first rope at a first connection point. A third rope is connected to the first rope and the second rope at a second connection point and a third connection point respectively. The first, second, and third ropes, when taut, define the calibration triangle with the first, second, and the third connection points as vertices of the calibration triangle. A center rope is connected to the first connection point with a first anchor point associated with the machine. A first tether rope is connected to the second connection point of the calibration triangle with a second anchor point associated with the machine. A second tether rope is connected to the third connection point of the calibration triangle with a third anchor point associated with the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, David Paul Gitz, Maikel Orlando Torres Pineiro, Matthew Daniel Fike, Qi Chen, Jeffrey Walter Earleson
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Patent number: 10267016Abstract: A swing control assembly for a first machine is provided. The swing control assembly includes a position detection module configured to generate a signal indicative of a relative position of a second machine with respect to the first machine. The swing control assembly includes a controller communicably coupled to the position detection module. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the relative position of the second machine with respect to the first machine. The controller is configured to determine a direction of swing associated with the first machine based on the received signal. The controller is configured to provide an instruction to initiate a swing operation of the first machine based on the determined direction of swing.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Michael Edward Brandt
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Patent number: 10235774Abstract: A method for calibrating an image capturing device mounted on a machine is provided. The image capturing device is configured to capture one or more images of a calibration target. The one or more images include a set of reference points corresponding to the calibration target. The method includes receiving a first positional data and a second positional data associated with the image capturing device and the calibration target respectively. The method includes generating, through the processor, a set of augmented reality points based on the first positional data and the second positional data. The method further includes overlaying, through the processor, the set of augmented reality points on the set of reference points displayed on the display. The method includes iteratively adjusting, through the processor, at least one of a roll, a yaw, or a pitch of the image capturing device until the set of augmented reality points align with the corresponding set of reference points.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David Paul Gitz, Paul Russell Friend, Maikel Orlando Torres Pineiro, Qi Chen
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Publication number: 20180284219Abstract: A ranging radio relative machine positioning system for a first mobile machine and a second mobile machine is provided. The first mobile machine includes a platform rotatable relative to ground-engaging elements of the first mobile machine. A first set of ranging radios and at least one sensor are configured for attachment to the first mobile machine, and a second set of ranging radios are configured for attachment to the second mobile machine. The system also includes a controller programmed to identify a ground spotting location relative to the first mobile machine, track movement of the first mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the sensor to arrive at an offset, and provide a location, or pose, of the second mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the first and second sets of ranging radios and the offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
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Patent number: 10060097Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed for use with an excavation machine having a work tool and with an IPCC. The excavation system may have a location device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a location of the excavation machine, a display, and at least one controller in communication with the location device and the display. The controller may be configured to receive a second signal indicative of a location of the IPCC, and to cause representations of the excavation machine and the IPCC to be simultaneously shown on the display based on the first and second signals. The at least one controller may also be configured to determine a swing radius of the work tool, and to selectively cause an indication of alignment between the IPCC and the swing radius to be shown on the display based on the first signal, the second signal, and the swing radius.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Kenneth L. Stratton, Michael Edward Brandt, James D. Humphrey, James William Ryan
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Publication number: 20180066413Abstract: A swing control assembly for a first machine is provided. The swing control assembly includes a position detection module configured to generate a signal indicative of a relative position of a second machine with respect to the first machine. The swing control assembly includes a controller communicably coupled to the position detection module. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the relative position of the second machine with respect to the first machine. The controller is configured to determine a direction of swing associated with the first machine based on the received signal. The controller is configured to provide an instruction to initiate a swing operation of the first machine based on the determined direction of swing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2016Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Michael Edward Brandt
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Publication number: 20170191246Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed for use with an excavation machine having a work tool and with an IPCC. The excavation system may have a location device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a location of the excavation machine, a display, and at least one controller in communication with the location device and the display. The controller may be configured to receive a second signal indicative of a location of the IPCC, and to cause representations of the excavation machine and the IPCC to be simultaneously shown on the display based on the first and second signals. The at least one controller may also be configured to determine a swing radius of the work tool, and to selectively cause an indication of alignment between the IPCC and the swing radius to be shown on the display based on the first signal, the second signal, and the swing radius.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell FRIEND, Kenneth L. STRATTON, Michael Edward BRANDT, James D. HUMPHREY, James William RYAN
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Patent number: 9678210Abstract: A motion determination system is disclosed. The system may calculate one or more visual-odometry outputs. The system may determine a plurality of figure of merits, wherein each of the plurality of figure of merits is associated with one of a plurality of parameters affecting the calculation of the one or more visual-odometry outputs, and each of the plurality of figure of merits is indicative of an accuracy of the visual-odometry outputs. The system may calculate a combined figure of merit based on the plurality of figure of merits. The system may calculate an error estimate for the one or more visual-odometry outputs based on the combined figure of merit.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Hong Chang
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Patent number: 9618348Abstract: A loading machine may include a position sensor associated with a bucket. The position sensor may be configured to generate position and orientation data of the bucket. The loading machine may also include a computer including a spotting location module in communication with, at least, the position sensor. The spotting location module may be configured to: receive the position and orientation data of the bucket generated by the position sensor; determine a spot point based on the received position and orientation data of the bucket; store the spot point; and associate the stored spot point with a subsequent location when the loading machine relocates.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Qi Chen
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Patent number: 9593570Abstract: A method, system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for estimating pose of a drill are disclosed. The method may include receiving a location signal from a locating device, receiving a first signal indicative of an angular rate of the drill, and receiving a second signal indicative of an acceleration of the drill. The method may further include determining an operation state of the drill. The method may further include determining the pose of the drill based on the received location signal, first signal, second signal, and the determined operation state of the drill.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Paul Russell Friend